Wire flash
PoliticsTrump announces deployment of 5,000 US troops to Poland after earlier cancellation
Editorial responsibility
- No named human review is recorded for this page.
- Source reporting is collected, normalized, translated or condensed automatically when needed.
- Automatically published source-backed update
President Donald Trump announced on May 22, 2026, via Truth Social that 5,000 US troops would be deployed to Poland, citing the 'successful election' of Poland's President Karol Nawrocki, though Nawrocki was elected nearly a year prior. This reversal comes just over a week after the US Army abruptly canceled the deployment of 4,000 soldiers from the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, to Poland. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell described the earlier cancellation as a 'temporary delay' as part of a broader plan to reduce Brigade Combat Teams in Europe from four to three. The announcement occurs amid Trump's growing frustration with NATO allies over their lack of support for the joint U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran, particularly regarding reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has also announced a withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany, with potential for larger reductions, following tensions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Source report
President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the United States is deploying 5,000 troops to Poland.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that the decision was prompted by the "successful election" of Poland's President Karol Nawrocki, whom he said he "was proud to endorse." The comment drew some confusion, however, as Nawrocki was elected nearly a year ago and inaugurated in August 2025. Trump added that the deployment was also a result of "our relationship" with the Polish president.
The announcement comes more than a week after the U.S. Army abruptly canceled the deployment of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, to Poland.
Pentagon Clarifies 'Temporary Delay'
Sean Parnell, a spokesperson for the Department of Defense, described the cancellation on Tuesday as a "temporary delay," part of the administration's broader plan to reduce the total number of Brigade Combat Teams assigned to Europe from four to three.
"This decision was the result of a comprehensive, multilayered process focused on U.S. force posture in Europe," Parnell said.
He praised Poland for demonstrating "both the ability and resolve to defend itself," adding that "other NATO allies should follow suit."
Broader Shift in European Force Posture
In recent months, Trump has reassessed America's military posture across Europe amid growing frustration with NATO allies over the joint U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran.
Trump has argued that NATO members should have provided greater and more meaningful assistance, particularly regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Other nations have countered that they have no obligation—and little desire—to involve themselves in a conflict they view as a war of choice launched by Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Following a war of words with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump announced a reduction of the American military presence in Germany. The Pentagon initially stated in April that it would withdraw roughly 5,000 troops from the country, though Trump suggested a significantly larger drawdown was under consideration.
According to the Pentagon, the reduction of forces from Germany is expected to be completed within the next six to 12 months.
About the Author
Tanya Noury is a reporter for Military Times and Defense News, covering the White House and Pentagon.
Source
Army TimesWestern
Part of this Story
US Cancels Planned Deployment of 4,000 Troops to Poland